West Point Island
Island Remote South Atlantic island with large seabird colonies
Small Falklands island noted for large seabird colonies, including black-browed albatross and penguins; visitors arrive on wildlife cruises for cliff nesting colonies and remote wildlife viewing.
West Point Island is a small island in the Falkland Islands (South Atlantic) known for its seabird colonies and coastal cliffs. It is a frequent stop for wildlife-focused visits around the islands.
Visitors come primarily for wildlife viewing, especially large nesting colonies of seabirds on the cliffs and beaches, and for scenic coastal walks. Boat landings allow short guided walks to colony viewing areas and cliff-top lookouts.
Like many Falkland Islands islands, West Point Island was used historically for sheep grazing; over recent decades parts of the island have been managed with an increasing emphasis on wildlife conservation and tourism.
The island lies in the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic and is reached by small boat from other islands or by scheduled local transport when available during the tourism season.
- Seabird colonies: Noted for important seabird colonies including breeding black-browed albatrosses and southern rockhopper penguins, making it a wildlife destination in the Falkland Islands.
Tips for Visiting West Point Island #
- Visit in the austral spring-summer (roughly October-March) when seabird and penguin colonies are most active; boat landings are weather-dependent so aim for calmer summer days.
- Arrange transport and landing through a Falklands-based operator or the nearest settlements (e.g. Port Howard/Fox Bay) in advance-landings are by small boat and usually require prior permission and timing with tides.
- Ask your operator about the best landing spot for wildlife viewing rather than just shoreline photos; guided landings often point out cliffs and specific colonies that casual visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit West Point Island #
Visit in the austral summer (November-March) for the mildest conditions and the best wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near West Point Island #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 13°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 52 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and breezy conditions.
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